General Thoughts-Perspective at this point in the season

[perryhawk]

These are just my thoughts...no claim that they are correct, just my perspective on where we are at after last nights game and in reflection the ISU game.

General
The effort and energy we saw last night was significantly better than at ISU....my best guess at this point in explaining ISU in particular is this: ISU is a very good defensive team. I hate to give them credit, but they are. As tough as the crowds at Virginia and Purdue were.....ISU and Hilton are much tougher when they have it going. Then combine these just mentioned factors with the fact that Keegan was less than 100% and that I think our guys were a little worn down after the stretch they had played...and you get the results you got in the ISU game.

Rested, healthy, playing in a supportive environment against a team that was not as good defensively as ISU....and you get last night. So, how does that play the rest of the way. The rebounding of this team appears to be closely related to these factors listed AND their desire and emphasis on that part of the game.

First, in my opinion (agree to disagree with others) the majority of this team does NOT have the experience of playing starter minutes, dealing with-playing through injuries, and all that comes with the grind in their new roles. The exceptions are JBO and Connor...period. That said, Connor is playing hurt right now and it is open to debate as to resting him. I would absolutely sit and rest him through these next couple of cupcakes, because regardless of peoples opinions of his productivity with this team (and I think it's a legit debate) he will be needed as the season progresses.

Next, the best players on this team are Keegan, Kris, Patrick, and JBO......followed closely by the trio of Ulis-Joe-Tony. Next I would put Sandford in the mix.....I am still reserving judgement on Rebraca. He appears to be a great young man, he plays hard, is a good teammate, and appears to me to be on the brink of taking the next step....but a 3rd of the way through the season he hasn't yet gotten there.

I feel really good about Keegan, Kris, Patrick, and JBO.....I feel pretty good about Ulis & Perkins and to a degree about Sanford (based on his earlier play it seems like he should get more minutes-but I don't see practice).....I am most worried about Joe and Rebraca in terms of where they are mentally with what they are supposed to be doing on the floor and executing it.

So, I see this year as a bit of a rebuilding year.....I like the talent and potential of this team. We have athleticism at a higher level than we have in a while, we have some great free throw shooting that I didn't expect, and we have inconsistently seen decent defense. We are better outside shooters than I expected...

Concerns include consistency with defense and rebounding, the lack of a post presence.....to a limited extent PG play--though I'm not overly concerned. I am not sure about this teams durability both physically and mentally....I'm not saying I'm right about that, or that we aren't good in those areas, just that based on the season so far I have some concern.

Two last points......First, inexperience is a fact with this team like it or not. My guess is that over the next third of the season we will see if that turns into experience that allows the mental and physical toughness to consistently rebound and play good defense. Second, the hate on the McCaffery's is just ridiculous....I think people who are hung up on that must have been traumatized by favoritism at some point in their lives. Patrick is clearly a very talented (though inexperienced and not fully physically mature because of what he has dealt with) player that could play for most any team in the B10. Connor is a kid who has worked hard, fought through injuries, and by all accounts is a very good teammate. He has stepped back from a starter role, he is playing with injury, and doesn't deserve the crap talk. We all know that he struggles with 3 pt shooting, as does every opponent we will play....yet we need his presence on this team. There's probably more that I forgot or left out....

 

[hawkjt]

I agree that this will be the rebuilding season we expected.
We will shine vs finesse teams like Utah St. But we will struggle vs athletic physical teams like Ill,ISU, and PU
Unfortunately, most of the Big Ten are like the later.
The standard needs to be ..make the tourney 4 of 5 yrs....this is the off year,I fear.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Defense and rebounding - ugh. Poor defense we are getting used to seeing, but too many of the guys are getting pushed around to be effective rebounders. This team is not loaded with strength.

I've had a theory about Fran's team for several years now - mind, you I have no facts to support it.

I think Fran wears these guys down in workouts in the first two months of the season getting ready for the B1G. They often look sluggish in the first couple of months, and they certainly were against ISU after taking on PU and Ill.

But last night they looked fresh and ready to run. That was as fast as I recall seeing an Iowa team play, maybe ever, and yet only 9 turnovers. Unfortunately JT had 3 of them.

My take - the Hawks are going to get pounded on the boards all year and will have to shoot lights out to stay competitive. Sadly, I don't think this team has enough guys that can get their shot off in traffic, so even the good shooters like JBo and the Murray's are going to have to be pretty open to get off a good shot.

It's a rebuilding year, but rebuilding toward what? I don't know if enough help is coming. Losing Nunge was a big loss to the program - CJ could have helped is healthy, and of course, JoeW could have been a star.

Roster management has become the most important coaching attribute. I think Iowa and Fran are going to struggle in the new normal.

 

[perryhawk]

I agree that this will be the rebuilding season we expected.
We will shine vs finesse teams like Utah St. But we will struggle vs athletic physical teams like Ill,ISU, and PU
Unfortunately, most of the Big Ten are like the later.
The standard needs to be ..make the tourney 4 of 5 yrs....this is the off year,I fear.

This could be the off year…..it’s one of the things that makes this season intriguing. We could be very close to the win total needed and that means EVERY game counts….I hope we make the NCAA, but could end up NIT….hopefully no worse.

 

[Underscore2]

I was dismayed after the ISU game. But now, not making excuses, but it seems Keegan not being back to 100 percent was a huge factor. The team was not able to adapt yet, without those points just being there from him. I think it's fair to say that game was a misnomer.

 

[iahawks10]

Defense and rebounding - ugh. Poor defense we are getting used to seeing, but too many of the guys are getting pushed around to be effective rebounders. This team is not loaded with strength.

I've had a theory about Fran's team for several years now - mind, you I have no facts to support it.

I think Fran wears these guys down in workouts in the first two months of the season getting ready for the B1G. They often look sluggish in the first couple of months, and they certainly were against ISU after taking on PU and Ill.

But last night they looked fresh and ready to run. That was as fast as I recall seeing an Iowa team play, maybe ever, and yet only 9 turnovers. Unfortunately JT had 3 of them.

My take - the Hawks are going to get pounded on the boards all year and will have to shoot lights out to stay competitive. Sadly, I don't think this team has enough guys that can get their shot off in traffic, so even the good shooters like JBo and the Murray's are going to have to be pretty open to get off a good shot.

It's a rebuilding year, but rebuilding toward what? I don't know if enough help is coming. Losing Nunge was a big loss to the program - CJ could have helped is healthy, and of course, JoeW could have been a star.

Roster management has become the most important coaching attribute. I think Iowa and Fran are going to struggle in the new normal.

Could be rebuilding in the sense that the younger guys are forced into more action sooner than expected.

Losing Nunge hurt, but he was Garza’s class. He did have eligibility left and I’m guessing FM planned on him being here this season. Weiskamp left a year early. CJ left two years early. In return, JBo has come back for year 27 (or 6) to put a bandaid on a bullet wound and Rebraca

This forces a lot of underclassmen into more playing time earlier than anticipated. That’s not saying it can’t be done.

Ulis - SO
Both Murrays - SO
Perkins - SO
P Mac - RS SO
Ogundele - SO
Sandfort - FR
Mulvey - FR


A majority of minutes are coming from this list of sophomores. Besides Keegan and Pmac none of them played solid minutes last year. Even Pmac was a second or third thought in last year’s rotation.

I agree that the transfer portal is something Fran is going to have to fall in love with. I know he is not a fan of it, but it’s the reality of CBB in 2021, unfortunately.

 

[DougFHawkeye]

We will shine vs finesse teams like Utah St. But we will struggle vs athletic physical teams like Ill,ISU, and PU.

Agree with this for the most part. I think we will win a couple games we shouldn't and will lose a couple we shouldn't.

 

[mazda1]

Utah State lacked a true big man therefore Keegan was able to dominate and Patrick and Rebecca played well on offense in part because of that.

Against equally athletic teams that we’ll encounter that have a true big I expect to see the Hawks struggle for interior points and I don’t know if we shoot well enough from the outside or dribble drive to get enough points given our D.

Quality bigs will still kill us on the boards. Turnovers are terrific so far. This is a rebuilding year and I still see our upside being capped at a bubble team.

This is going to be a fun team to watch, but if Keegan is dinged or in foul trouble it’s going to be a long night regardless of our competition.
Go Hawks.

 

[sober_teacher]

I always expected we’d be a bubble team, hopefully on the good side. Defense overall does seem to be better, but it still frustratingly has bad spells. Consistency will help a lot here.

Rebounding, imo, will likewise be frustrating, but I think they can at least hold their ground against most teams - the key for rebounding comes down to positioning and effort. Both were lacking against Illinois and ISU but were improved against Utah State.

 

[General Tso]

One spin is this team is a few points away from being 10-1 and 2-0 in the B1G. However the reality is the team is 8-3 and 0-2 in the B1G. So we're probably about where we thought record-wise but perhaps more competitive in 2 of the 3 losses than we thought possible. The fear is this indeed most likely a rebuilding year so the margin of error is thin. Winning those two close games may have been the lightning in a bottle the team let get away.

 

[DodgerHawki]

One spin is this team is a few points away from being 10-1 and 2-0 in the B1G. However the reality is the team is 8-3 and 0-2 in the B1G. So we're probably about where we thought record-wise but perhaps more competitive in 2 of the 3 losses than we thought possible. The fear is this indeed most likely a rebuilding year so the margin of error is thin. Winning those two close games may have been the lightning in a bottle the team let get away.

I would agree. Would have been nice to have a win over Ill., Purdue or ISU. But they didn't, so you move on.

I think where fans struggle is in reacting to every single game as if that game itself dictates the rest of the season. I'm as guilty as anyone. Keegan Murray was fantastic against Utah State (as was his brother). Expecting him to go 13-17 every game and his brother to go 6-8 from the field is not realistic. People waver from game to game on Toussaint needing more minutes, or Ulis, or Perkins or whatever. Fran is generally playing the right guys. I do wish a few would get less and others would get more, but how they play will dictate that.

The team's upside is really tied to how much they can improve on defense. If they stay there in the 100's in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency, then there will be some nice wins but probably not enough to get in the tournament. If it improves, then could be on the right side of the bubble.

 

[sober_teacher]

One spin is this team is a few points away from being 10-1 and 2-0 in the B1G. However the reality is the team is 8-3 and 0-2 in the B1G. So we're probably about where we thought record-wise but perhaps more competitive in 2 of the 3 losses than we thought possible. The fear is this indeed most likely a rebuilding year so the margin of error is thin. Winning those two close games may have been the lightning in a bottle the team let get away.

To be fair to the team, we opened b10 against two of the teams that may be the worst matchups for us aside from perhaps Michigan that we’ll play the rest of the way. Aside from the rebounding, I didn’t think we played poorly against either - ISU should be the game that they should look to for motivation. ISU punched them in the jaw to start the game, and they never had a counter. That part was surprising to me because I thought that was a hurdle the team had overcome the past couple of seasons…they almost always had at least a counter punch to them.

 

[anon_qczsdwtnv6esw]

When they play more physical opponents, they seem to get a bit 'intimidated' and I attribute that to mostly young players. This will continue all year as it seems to be a trend with Fran's teams. There was nothing physical or intimidating about Utah St.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

I would agree. Would have been nice to have a win over Ill., Purdue or ISU. But they didn't, so you move on.

I think where fans struggle is in reacting to every single game as if that game itself dictates the rest of the season. I'm as guilty as anyone. Keegan Murray was fantastic against Utah State (as was his brother). Expecting him to go 13-17 every game and his brother to go 6-8 from the field is not realistic. People waver from game to game on Toussaint needing more minutes, or Ulis, or Perkins or whatever. Fran is generally playing the right guys. I do wish a few would get less and others would get more, but how they play will dictate that.

The team's upside is really tied to how much they can improve on defense. If they stay there in the 100's in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency, then there will be some nice wins but probably not enough to get in the tournament. If it improves, then could be on the right side of the bubble.

First...great post Perry and like the thoughts above, especially the point about how fans struggle reacting to every single game. Game threads drill down further to this point and I was in the lounge game thread for the Utah State game and pages 2,3 and 4 are hilarious with the comments, pathetic really and to me, it's an anxiety thing and fans are trying to get a hold of it with the comments....they are crazy comments or they just may be trolling too and don't really like the Hawks or Fran for some reason and then when the game gets under control, these posters disappear.

We could've won by possibly 30 if Fran had not played 13 players. We are second in the conference in margin of win versus a very tough schedule here in December with games on the road and opening up with PU in Mackey, the Illini and ISU in Hilton and the huge risk factor is no Keegan at PU and Keegan played hurt against the Illini and ISU......ya gotta throw that factor into the discussion because you saw how good the team was against a good Utah State team with a healthy Keegan.

Madhawk posted in the lounge and thank you Madhawk, I am going to use this here as well. I hope you are OK with this......."at how much the computer rankings seem to love this Iowa basketball team. After that win vs Utah State, we moved up 9 spots to 23rd in the NET rankings. We're also 25th in Ken Pom, which just happens to be 20 spots ahead of ISU - who completely dismantled us about 10 days ago. Also, we are just one of two teams in Ken Pom that has either an offense or defense ranked 100+. Our defense is ranked 110 according to Ken Pom (not where we need it to be), and of course our offense is ranked 4th."

Why? They are probably using many risk factors and not sure what they do or use but the point is and I agree with these rankings, this team when healthy is pretty darn good...it's right there in front of people to see too which I trust my view as well.

 

[ISUBryce]

Madhawk posted in the lounge and thank you Madhawk, I am going to use this here as well. I hope you are OK with this......."at how much the computer rankings seem to love this Iowa basketball team. After that win vs Utah State, we moved up 9 spots to 23rd in the NET rankings. We're also 25th in Ken Pom, which just happens to be 20 spots ahead of ISU - who completely dismantled us about 10 days ago. Also, we are just one of two teams in Ken Pom that has either an offense or defense ranked 100+. Our defense is ranked 110 according to Ken Pom (not where we need it to be), and of course our offense is ranked 4th."

Kenpom is still using some data from last year in the calculation so as it relates to ISU, it's really not relevant.

But regardless, Iowa today is #23 in NET. They've lost to the #4, #14, and #17 teams, two of which were on the road. There is nothing to freak out about there.

I think people are overreacting to the ISU loss - it was a road game, and like it or not ISU just came out hungrier. Iowa did not react well to physical play which is just a feature of the program at this point. It's literally the outlier to this season, and outlier games happen. Bart Torvik still has Iowa projected 20-11 (11-9) which would be plenty to get into the tourney.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

Kenpom is still using some data from last year in the calculation so as it relates to ISU, it's really not relevant.

But regardless, Iowa today is #23 in NET. They've lost to the #4, #14, and #17 teams, two of which were on the road. There is nothing to freak out about there.

I think people are overreacting to the ISU loss - it was a road game, and like it or not ISU just came out hungrier. Iowa did not react well to physical play which is just a feature of the program at this point. It's literally the outlier to this season, and outlier games happen. Bart Torvik still has Iowa projected 20-11 (11-9) which would be plenty to get into the tourney.

Thanks Bryce for further clarification, that's helpful to know and I find it all very interesting. And I am sure you get the overreacts as well with any game or game thread. It's basketball, it's a journey during the season....and you have to stay healthy. Iowa does not have a roster to lose a player like Keegan or not have at full speed.....but really, there are a lot of teams like this too.

I will say this, you guys play very sound defense, I was impressed, which will get you a lot of places during the season and Hilton with your fan base is a killer for you too. That's a tough environment to play in, it just is ........peace.

 

[ISUBryce]

Thanks Bryce for further clarification, that's helpful to know and I find it all very interesting. And I am sure you get the overreacts as well with any game or game thread. It's basketball, it's a journey during the season....and you have to stay healthy. Iowa does not have a roster to lose a player like Keegan or not have at full speed.....but really, there are a lot of teams like this too.

I will say this, you guys play very sound defense, I was impressed, which will get you a lot of places during the season and Hilton with your fan base is a killer for you too. That's a tough environment to play in, it just is ........peace.

I'm in a weird place because it seems like every Iowa fan wants to run this team down, and a lot of ISU fans want to run Iowa down because of the rivalry, but honestly Fran is an elite offensive coach. We saw it with Fred when he was at ISU. Fred lost some real stinkers and go absolutely obliterated a few times (lost like 100 to 70 once against a not great WVU team). You can't always count on it but when it's rolling it's truly breathtaking.

I just think people need to slow down a bit here. Iowa is still a good team who lost to 3 good teams. Now you'll start to need to win some of those but I think that will happen. I think Iowa is still in a great place. Still 2-3 in Q1 and Q2 games. Texas is 0-2 and ranked #20. Villanova is 1-4 and ranked #17. Illinois is 2-3. The resume is right there with the other teams above you in the NET rankings.

 

[sober_teacher]

Kenpom is still using some data from last year in the calculation so as it relates to ISU, it's really not relevant.

But regardless, Iowa today is #23 in NET. They've lost to the #4, #14, and #17 teams, two of which were on the road. There is nothing to freak out about there.

I think people are overreacting to the ISU loss - it was a road game, and like it or not ISU just came out hungrier. Iowa did not react well to physical play which is just a feature of the program at this point. It's literally the outlier to this season, and outlier games happen. Bart Torvik still has Iowa projected 20-11 (11-9) which would be plenty to get into the tourney.

Only quibble I have is that I feel like Iowa has improved in learning to deal with physical play the past couple of years, it just didn’t show against ISU in particular for a variety of reasons. They did much better with Purdue and Virginia the week before.

some of this is the annual stuff we see when b10 teams play out of conference. Stuff that gets allowed in conference often doesn’t or vice versa, and we failed to adjust.

 

[FWIW4922463]

Against equally athletic teams that we’ll encounter that have a true big I expect to see the Hawks struggle for interior points and I don’t know if we shoot well enough from the outside or dribble drive to get enough points given our D.

Yes, but Iowa lost plenty of games last year despite having a pretty good big who scored plenty and rebounded pretty well . . . well enough to be national player of the year.

Also, Iowa lost 77-70 @ #3 Purdue and at home to Illinois and the house called Kofi 87-83. Iowa didn't shoot well in either game, and both PU and Illinois feature some pretty good size, so there are paths to victory against everyone.

I hope the Hawkeyes can manage to go 10-8 in the BIG the rest of the way, which should land them in the tourney. Then, as most people know, it depends on matchups, but the Hawkeyes could surprise. Lots and lots of basketball left for an Iowa team with plenty of room for growth.

 

[rfgiowa]

The clown game left a bad taste...but I'm still wearing my black and gold glasses. I think this team squeaks into the NCAA with a 10-10 Big 10 record.

Cheers and GO HAWKS!

 

[SDHawkDoc]

As a team, still have quite a way to go on the rebounding and defensive department.

Continuing to hold out hope for more minutes from Kris, Tony and Ahron as the season progresses. I want to think Josh O might yet give relevant minutes before end of year, but not seeing much evidence of that yet.

Thought they were a just on the wrong side of bubble team before the season. Still think that's probably what happens. But making the tourney is certainly a possibility.

 

[littlez]

I believe Lunardi (or someone else) had us as a 10 seed currently. I think we can still be anywhere in the 7-10 range depending on the health of everyone. Barring anymore injuries to Keegan, or Covid hitting us hard, we're going to win a fair amount of games. Besides Jbo, we don't really have anyone that has a lot of full time experience. Keegan and Kris are super talented. I know Kris and Patrick kind of play the same position but Kris needs 25-28 minutes moving forward. If that means moving Keegan to the 5 on defense so be it. Guard play Fran just needs to play the hot hand, which in fact I think he has done pretty well. Ulis and Perkins seem to play very well together, especially in the press on defense. I think Fran has a pretty quick hook on Joe T but I think his confidence in Ulis is growing. If it's an athletic team and Jbo isn't scoring or guarding Perkins is the guy.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

I'm in a weird place because it seems like every Iowa fan wants to run this team down, and a lot of ISU fans want to run Iowa down because of the rivalry, but honestly Fran is an elite offensive coach. We saw it with Fred when he was at ISU. Fred lost some real stinkers and go absolutely obliterated a few times (lost like 100 to 70 once against a not great WVU team). You can't always count on it but when it's rolling it's truly breathtaking.

I just think people need to slow down a bit here. Iowa is still a good team who lost to 3 good teams. Now you'll start to need to win some of those but I think that will happen. I think Iowa is still in a great place. Still 2-3 in Q1 and Q2 games. Texas is 0-2 and ranked #20. Villanova is 1-4 and ranked #17. Illinois is 2-3. The resume is right there with the other teams above you in the NET rankings.

Best post I've seen in quite some time, thank you for posting this....I am with you in that very weird place. I don't get it either. I try to tell fans and like you are saying to slow down. The ball can bounce very funny on any given day or night game which is what you are describing with Fred. Happens all the time.

And as far as Iowa is concerned, at least this year for me, our roster was a huge ? mark coming into this season. I am sure it was even bigger for ISU after last season. I really didn't know what to expect but I am really thrilled we have a team and with Keegan's excellent play that is going to be very competitive in the B1G conference. We are not going to win every game but neither is nobody else. And like the B1G 12, teams are going to beat up on each other. You really have to hold serve at home and hopefully steal some games on the road in very tough environments. It's not easy to do.

Watching many games now and a very competitive Keegan less road loss in Mackey, I am very optimistic maybe convinced with Keegan, this Iowa team will steal some road game wins in the conference......

You don't lead or at the top of the conference in many B1G stat offensive categories, have a win margin of 16 ppg second to PU and have the leading scorer in the conference on Dec 20th by not doing something very good, very right.....again, great stuff, thanks for posting!

PS....they are talking about Iowa and the Murray brothers along with PMAC and others on B1G Today/BTN......nice compliments with the win over Utah St and moving forward.

 

[2432Hawk]

The next month is the key for this season. Finals are over, now is the time where teams can make HUGE leaps in development, and with the youth we are playing this is the critical state where they don't have any classes or classwork and they can spend more time in gym working on their games.

Fran's teams often make their jump during this next week or 2.

 

[sober_teacher]

The next month is the key for this season. Finals are over, now is the time where teams can make HUGE leaps in development, and with the youth we are playing this is the critical state where they don't have any classes or classwork and they can spend more time in gym working on their games.

Fran's teams often make their jump during this next week or 2.

January will be key for Iowa. Our schedule looks very doable and most of our toughest remaining games are in late February or March imo.

 

[ISUBryce]

The clown game left a bad taste...but I'm still wearing my black and gold glasses. I think this team squeaks into the NCAA with a 10-10 Big 10 record.

Cheers and GO HAWKS!

If Iowa goes 10-10 in the league they won't be squeaking in. They'll be very solidly in.

 

[sober_teacher]

If Iowa goes 10-10 in the league they won't be squeaking in. They'll be very solidly in.

Should be, but that would me a little nervous depending on the size of the bubble this year. B10 underperformed last year so I doubt we get as many in this year. 20-11 SHOULD have us in, but that would leave me a bit nervous about being in the First Four.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

When they play more physical opponents, they seem to get a bit 'intimidated' and I attribute that to mostly young players. This will continue all year as it seems to be a trend with Fran's teams. There was nothing physical or intimidating about Utah St.

Shut down moreso than intimidated.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Should be, but that would me a little nervous depending on the size of the bubble this year. B10 underperformed last year so I doubt we get as many in this year. 20-11 SHOULD have us in, but that would leave me a bit nervous about being in the First Four.

Yeah it depends on who those wins come over and how many Quad 1 and 2 wins Iowa would have in that scenario. Just a blanket 10-10 record might not be good enough. Two games against Penn State and Nebraska. Good for getting W's but not great wins for the resume. Maryland currently 120 in the NET, Iowa plays them only once at Maryland. A tricky game.

 

[littlez]

Should be, but that would me a little nervous depending on the size of the bubble this year. B10 underperformed last year so I doubt we get as many in this year. 20-11 SHOULD have us in, but that would leave me a bit nervous about being in the First Four.

How the B10 performed last year has nothing to do w/this year. We're sitting in a pretty good place right now, even at 0-2 in the league. Some of the other Power 5 leagues are really struggling, which should help us down the road. ACC will be lucky to get 3 and the Pac 12 looks like they'll probably only get 3.

 

[kceasthawk]

To be fair to the team, we opened b10 against two of the teams that may be the worst matchups for us aside from perhaps Michigan that we’ll play the rest of the way. Aside from the rebounding, I didn’t think we played poorly against either - ISU should be the game that they should look to for motivation. ISU punched them in the jaw to start the game, and they never had a counter. That part was surprising to me because I thought that was a hurdle the team had overcome the past couple of seasons…they almost always had at least a counter punch to them.

Our counter punchers were Luka, and Connor. Ones gone and the other doesn't play the same role or minutes. I know people will think thats crazy to say Connor, but he's a don't take any shit, never back down, junk yard dog. Without question I'd rather see more skilled players like Perkins and Ulis get those minutes, but their still adjusting to "getting punched in the mouth" at this level. I'm hopeful the younger players, Perkins, Ulis, Kris, and even Pmac learned a valuable lesson against ISU. I think the three tough opponents in a row overwhelmed the guys to some extent. That and being banged up, especially Keegen.

 

[sober_teacher]

How the B10 performed last year has nothing to do w/this year. We're sitting in a pretty good place right now, even at 0-2 in the league. Some of the other Power 5 leagues are really struggling, which should help us down the road. ACC will be lucky to get 3 and the Pac 12 looks like they'll probably only get 3.

I don’t disagree, but the Selection Committee has a history of keeping stuff like that in the back of their heads when it comes to seeding. If Iowa is firmly on the bubble in March, you don’t think their blowout loss last year will be thought of?

Our counter punchers were Luka, and Connor. Ones gone and the other doesn't play the same role or minutes. I know people will think thats crazy to say Connor, but he's a don't take any shit, never back down, junk yard dog. Without question I'd rather see more skilled players like Perkins and Ulis get those minutes, but their still adjusting to "getting punched in the mouth" at this level. I'm hopeful the younger players, Perkins, Ulis, Kris, and even Pmac learned a valuable lesson against ISU. I think the three tough opponents in a row overwhelmed the guys to some extent. That and being banged up, especially Keegen.

Agreed, I’d hoped Toussaint could be one of those counter-punchers for us, but he just hasn’t been consistent this year, and I think an argument could be made Ulis is even with him at least now.

im also fine still starting Jordan as he’s a good counter-puncher at times, but also be ready to throw Perkins in there if Jordan doesn’t show much early.

 

[walleye hunter16]

When they play more physical opponents, they seem to get a bit 'intimidated' and I attribute that to mostly young players. This will continue all year as it seems to be a trend with Fran's teams. There was nothing physical or intimidating about Utah St.

I have no problem when teams recognize the opponent is physical but everyone has weaknesses and you have to attack those to get the scales tipped even again.
They played pretty tough with Ill and PU but gave in on ISU.
They are not better than the 2 B1G teams but they are when you don't continue to get after them.

 

[General Tso]

One spin is this team is a few points away from being 10-1 and 2-0 in the B1G. However the reality is the team is 8-3 and 0-2 in the B1G. So we're probably about where we thought record-wise but perhaps more competitive in 2 of the 3 losses than we thought possible. The fear is this indeed most likely a rebuilding year so the margin of error is thin. Winning those two close games may have been the lightning in a bottle the team let get away.

Also forgot to mention that I replied because the OP asked for General thoughts.

 

[jonesy5960]

I don't really understand why anyone would call this a rebuilding year. Building towards what exactly? Your 2 best players are Keegan and Kris. They may only be sophomores, but it's likely that one or both of them are gone after this year. Jbo is gone as well. Knowing what we have today and what's coming in does anyone here think that the team will be as good or better next year without them?

 

[hawkjt]

I am one who did call this a rebuilding year but I have come around to the reality that Keegan is most likely gone which means next year could be no better and maybe worse than this year.
It is a bit depressing to accept that Iowa BB has peaked(last year) and might be stuck in purgatory for awhile.
When are a developmental program you need to get 3 years minimum out of your successful projects like Luka.
Clearly. with Keegan we are probably only going to get 2.

 

[perryhawk]

I am one who did call this a rebuilding year but I have come around to the reality that Keegan is most likely gone which means next year could be no better and maybe worse than this year.
It is a bit depressing to accept that Iowa BB has peaked(last year) and might be stuck in purgatory for awhile.
When are a developmental program you need to get 3 years minimum out of your successful projects like Luka.
Clearly. with Keegan we are probably only going to get 2.

I agree with most of this….if Keegan keeps playing like this he will most likely be gone after this year. JBO obviously gone as well.

I look at next year differently (potentially) than what you foresee. I acknowledge that it could be exactly what you’re saying but I think that we’ll be deep and athletic. This group will be experienced, be stronger, and have developed that defensive continuity that will move them another step forward on that end. Kris, Patrick, Tony, Payton, and others will take another step forward offensively based on normal development.

My main concern for next year is development in the post…..can/will the current roster make enough improvement to be a legitimate force? I think the staff is still looking at adding to the roster but not sure if there are options that can take post play to the level we want?

Transfer portal?

I believe that a strong post player on next year’s roster could/would be the difference between middle of the pack B10 finish and something significantly better.

 

[littlez]

I am one who did call this a rebuilding year but I have come around to the reality that Keegan is most likely gone which means next year could be no better and maybe worse than this year.
It is a bit depressing to accept that Iowa BB has peaked(last year) and might be stuck in purgatory for awhile.
When are a developmental program you need to get 3 years minimum out of your successful projects like Luka.
Clearly. with Keegan we are probably only going to get 2.

Basketball is much different than football and calling yourself a developmental program. Clearly some of our 2 and 3 star guys are not physically developed and ready to play on the football side. Basketball much different, especially w/the transfer portal out there where you can plug a guy into the starting lineup immediately. Keegan is definitely gone after this year if he keeps this up. At this point he's a lottery pick. I can't see Kris going anywhere yet. He could be a breakout player next year. When you have a lottery pick and some other solid players around him (which we do) we need to make the tournament. Let's go win a game and see what happens. We've played a top 5 team in the country on the road down to the wire. A healthy Keegan and improving bench and this team can be competitive in the tournament.

 

[EduNeerHawk]

I agree with most of this….if Keegan keeps playing like this he will most likely be gone after this year. JBO obviously gone as well.

I look at next year differently (potentially) than what you foresee. I acknowledge that it could be exactly what you’re saying but I think that we’ll be deep and athletic. This group will be experienced, be stronger, and have developed that defensive continuity that will move them another step forward on that end. Kris, Patrick, Tony, Payton, and others will take another step forward offensively based on normal development.

My main concern for next year is development in the post…..can/will the current roster make enough improvement to be a legitimate force? I think the staff is still looking at adding to the roster but not sure if there are options that can take post play to the level we want?

Transfer portal?

I believe that a strong post player on next year’s roster could/would be the difference between middle of the pack B10 finish and something significantly better.

Basketball is much different than football and calling yourself a developmental program. Clearly some of our 2 and 3 star guys are not physically developed and ready to play on the football side. Basketball much different, especially w/the transfer portal out there where you can plug a guy into the starting lineup immediately. Keegan is definitely gone after this year if he keeps this up. At this point he's a lottery pick. I can't see Kris going anywhere yet. He could be a breakout player next year. When you have a lottery pick and some other solid players around him (which we do) we need to make the tournament. Let's go win a game and see what happens. We've played a top 5 team in the country on the road down to the wire. A healthy Keegan and improving bench and this team can be competitive in the tournament.

Two good posts and I agree.... a lot of talk about Keegan leaving early and rightly so but let's stay focused on the task ahead. We need to play well and win these next 2 games...and finish 10-3. Then beat the Terps in IC on 1/3 before we head up to an important road game at the Kohl Center on 1/6. And not to get ahead of ourselves too far but let's see how this team plays/responds and Keegan leads the team healthy with what will certainly be a lot of attention to try and shut him down?

We have to smack back and play with a ton of attitude, stay connected and focused.....can't wait.